Settle Sunday 27th July 2008

Today’s Walks

Strenuous Leader: Jackie Gudgeon     Distance: 10 miles

We will need a 10 minute walk along the road to get out of Settle in the direction of Giggleswick, when we join a rising track through woodland and then past a large working quarry before following a pleasant track along Giggleswick Scar with lovely views over Ribblesdale and the Bowland Hills. We then circle round via Feizor Thwaite to join the path into Little Stainforth and Stainforth. (lunch at the falls?). From Stainforth we have a climb to Catrigg Force, and another to Jubilee Cave, from where we follow rocky path past Victoria Cave, Attermire Scar and Warrendale Knots. Then a final climb up and over back to Settle.
We will not achieve any great height on this walk, but there are plenty of ups and downs to qualify it as STRENUOUS.

Moderate Leader: Bob Jones     Distance: 9 miles

This is a delightful walk where wonderful views abound. The only downside is that these views must be earned by an early climb onto the fells. This is quite hard, but will be undertaken with at least one rest break.
Leaving Settle on a bridle path to Langcliffe, then up onto the fells heading for ‘Catrigg Force’ waterfall, where we will probably have lunch. We then head for Langcliffe Scar, the home of Jubilee, Victoria, and Attermire Caves (viewing Victoria is available). We then round Sugar Loaf Hill, noting the unusual profile of Warrendale Knotts (make up your own mind). Then a short climb and descent into Settle, where assorted delights await.

Leisurely Leader: Margery Howe     Distance : 7 miles approx.

From Settle we climb Castle Hill with good views of Giggleswick en route, then through fields above Langcliffe and disused quarries to High Winskill Farm for lunch at Catrigg Force. After lunch we descend Goat Scar Lane to Stainforth, for a toilet stop if required. Across the packhorse bridge dating from 1670 now owned by the National Trust, to Stainforth Force, followed by a pleasant route back to Settle along the Ribble Way past weirs at Langcliffe and Settle.

Extra Leisurely Walk Leader: Derek Lee     Distance: 6.5 miles

We will cross the river to Giggleswick, then have a steady climb of 400 ft to the edge of Giggleswick Scar. There are wide views of the country from here, as well as of the huge quarry! Care will be needed on parts of the limestone pavement. We have to walk the length of the Scar before crossing the moor via Feizor Thorpe and dropping down to the riverside again at Stackhouse. From here we will follow the river back to Settle.

Easy Leader: Sue Beeley     Distance: 5.5 miles

We will start the walk today from the centre of Settle, and then walk towards Langcliffe. After about 1 mile we will have a bit of a climb but it will be worth it, the views at the top are lovely. At this point we are heading towards Victoria Cave. For those who wish there is a rough path up to the entrance of the cave and an information board. However you are not allowed in. The scenery today is outstanding – hope you have brought your cameras, and enjoy the walk.